Fire Alarm System Certification Purpose, Benefits, and Cost

In California some cities require fire alarm systems to be certificated. The certification of a fire alarm system verifies the alarm was installed in compliance with building and safety code requirements.

Prior to issuing fire alarm system certificates, an installation company must be evaluated and approved by a company such as ETL or UL. The evaluation process requires an inspection and evaluation of fire alarm systems installed by the company. A compliance inspector reviews the company operation and conducts a field inspection of some of the company's fire alarm installations. If the applicant, company and their work meet the required standards, the company is approved and is considered a "listed company". Once a company goes through this evaluation process, they can issue fire alarm system certificates.

The fire alarm system certification programs provide authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), insurance companies and building owners with a convenient, reliable way to identify code-compliant fire alarm systems. AHJs and insurers use the certification programs to assess risk and determine ongoing code compliance with nationally recognized standards and codes. The cities requiring fire alarm certification are assured of the following:

• The fire alarm system was installed in accordance with the system design plans.
• The fire alarm system was installed and tested properly.
• The fire alarm system is being tested on a regular basis.
• Should service become necessary, it will be completed promptly and professionally.

Once every year the listed company is re-evaluated and receives a visit from a systems inspector. The inspector randomly selects from the fire alarm system certificates the company has issued and conducts an on site inspection of the selected fire alarm systems. By this procedure the listed company is required to install, maintain and service each certified fire alarm in accordance with the nationally recognized standards and codes.

The certification programs are administered by companies known around the world for their review and approval of products for quality and safety. The fire alarm certification program is their program for evaluation and certification of fire alarm systems and fire alarm installation companies. In the fire alarm industry, installation companies have a broad range of experience, and expertise. There are companies providing excellent quality and service and others that fall extremely short of this goal. We recommend using only listed fire alarm companies.

The cost to participate in the listing and certification program is considerable. A fire alarm company is charged a service fee to become a listed company. In addition, the listed fire alarm company is charge for each fire alarm certificate they issue. The fees to participate in the program, issue each certificate, and pay for the annual re-inspection are all part of the fee we charge our customers to obtain a fire alarm system certificate.

The fire alarm system certification programs it a tool to enhance fire alarm safety and protect the public. A&A has been a listed fire alarm company for over 15 years. We look forward to being of service to you.